A Scene

Landscape drawing and painting is a whole other territory, no pun intended. It is one area where I’ve only started to scratch the surface of what there is to know and put into practice. There I was, on the McCloud River one sunny day. The elephant ear plants, the rocks crowding the scene, the greenish color of the water–how on earth does an artist begin to capture this?

In a sense, making art is all about impression. What is the feeling I get when I see this sight in nature? How do I want to show a river, contained yet in motion? So I play…with form, light, shadow, image, movement, whimsy. And while it looks nothing like the original setting, it has an energy about it that I appreciate.

I framed this painting and it sat in a gift shop for at least one year. Then, they gave it back to me as it hadn’t sold. I stashed it…until a couple of months ago.

But WAIT! It wasn’t done!

It went from this…to this. I named her River Goddess. When I put this piece in a members only art exhibit at a local gallery, it sold within one week! I knew that she would sell. A man, a lawyer, who’d never visited the gallery before purchased the painting. He was on a tour of the gallery with his rotary club.

Any artist’s journey with a painting is a distinct experience. It is a tender relationship. Something unique is brought forth through you. It’s an honor to share in the creative process. I really do believe that it’s accessible to everyone.

What are your thoughts…how do you invoke your creativity?

Possible, Impossible

I revived this poem from two years ago because it feels even more relevant today!

Sonnet #3
© by Christine O’Brien

Possible, impossible, a constant weave
Do we have control over where we go?
When the powers that be cause us to grieve,
Can we grab the reins, redirect the flow?

When so-called leaders don’t know how to lead
When ambassadorship, isn’t their forte
Why do we entrust what we hold sacred
to those who lead us to certain “muerte“?

Resources are finite, global warming, fact
Denial has been a way of life too long
We are coming up against our earth’s lack
How can she provide when we ignore her song?

This regime cannot withstand the earth’s dream
She will have her way as they sit and scheme.

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Why is there a battle between humankind and nature? Didn’t we arise from nature and doesn’t nature include us as some wise persons have noted? When do we decide to heed the warnings and begin to turn things around?

Project Drawdown is a ray of hope today. Have you heard of it? Following is a short clip that gives a glimpse into the possible. What’s impossible is the direction we’ve been going.

The following clip is about 1-1/2 minutes long. Paul Hawkens is the speaker.

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Here’s my invitation to you.

Make yourself a cup of your favorite tea.
Have a pen and pad handy.
Google “YouTube video of Project Drawdown” or Paul Hawken (he is one of the spokespersons for this project).
There are several videos of varying length.
Choose one.
Listen deeply and take notes.
Is there anything that connects with you?
Is there anything that is spoken that arouses your concern, interest or passion?
Consider learning more about it.
Begin talking to others about it.
Is there the possibility of forming a circle with others with similar concerns?
Is there an immediate action that you want to take? A group action?

I believe that it’s possible to change a direction if we act soon.

She Stewards the Earth

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Do you upcycle your art? Valuing her face, her direct look, her expression, I wanted to utilize her in a new painting. This then became a mixed media piece. I collaged her face, painted her dress with an earthy color and added symbols. I did some texturing on the canvas prior to drawing and painting the buffalo. I also used some “resist” to have the underpainting show through.

All of this to symbolize White Buffalo Calf Woman.

There are many tellings of this story. Here is one. (It’s one-and-a-half minutes long.)

I titled this piece “She Stewards the Earth,”
because I believe that women have a deep
connection to the earth. That in some ways,
we are more deeply aligned with the earth
than men. That perhaps we are an avenue of
communication between humankind and the earth.
I feel that our bodies are sensors to the disharmony
that the earth is experiencing due to our misuse.

What do you think?

She Who Knows

SheWhoKnows.

There is the tale that is told so well by Clarissa Pinkola Estes in her world-renowned book, Women Who Run with the Wolves. When I first encountered this book, I was in an independent bookstore, The East West Bookshop, down the Peninsula in the San Francisco Bay Area. I opened the book randomly and read a passage that was relevant to an experience that I recently had. The hardbound book wasn’t in my budget. I replaced it on the display table and walked away. Then, after browsing for awhile, I was drawn back to the book. Again, I randomly opened it and voila, another passage that claimed me. I bought the book. Every weekend, I’d read a chapter and integrate what I was discovering. This book felt like a woman’s bible to me. The mythology and tales that were woven in with a Jungian interpretation touched me deeply. These tales, passed down from generation to generation, transported me into my own psyche in a way that had never happened before.

La Que Sabe, She Who Knows, was one of those stories. The story goes…

“In the Southwest the archetype of the old woman can also be apprehended as old La Que Sabe, The One Who Knows. I first came to understand La Que Sabe when I lived in the Sangre de Cristo mountains in New Mexico, under the heart of Lobo Peak. An old witch from Ranchos told me that La Que Sabe knew everything about women, that La Que Sabe had created women from a wrinkle on the sole of her divine foot: This is why women are knowing creatures; they are made, in essence, of the skin of the sole, which feels everything. This idea that the skin of the foot is sentient had the ring of a truth, for an acculturated Kiché tribeswoman once told me that she’d worn her first pair of shoes when she was twenty years old and was still not used to walking con los ojos vendados, with blindfolds on her feet.”
(excerpt from Clarissa Pinkola Estes)

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When I created this mixed media painting, I had no idea who or what was going to emerge. But then, she did. This painting is not about perfection of features…it became about expression of a deep feeling…the woman who has searched inside and encountered her own depths in search of her place in the world. She does not feign timidity. Pretense doesn’t work for her. She decorates herself. She is radiant and is comfortable with being in her own power. She is not apologetic for being this powerful.

She has lived her life and learned from it. She is present with you and deep seeing into human foibles and their underlying strengths. She understands that wisdom is there for each one of us. And, she holds patient compassion for herself and others as we sense into our own deep knowing.

Monet

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A few years ago, a friend invited me to one of those sip wine and paint gatherings in a large open rented studio space.

“Today, we paint like Monet did in his garden!” our artist teacher announced.

The instructor was so confident that we could carry this off. I was less so. Looking at this painting, would you think of Monet and his pond in the Garden at Giverny? Tell the truth? If you put the paintings beside one another…you would quickly see that I rebelled and went off in my own direction. The teacher might have been a little disgruntled. The other students tried to find something “nice” to say about it. I could tell they didn’t approve of my rebel stand. Wasn’t I supposed to do it better, closer to the original, follow instructions?

Truth is that I liked what I painted. It made me happy. I had to listen to that inner voice that said, try this, try that. Break the rules. So I did!

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Last month, I took a class called Expressive Bouquets taught by fine artist, Sherry Lynch Woodward. The wannabee Monet painting above transformed into this mixed media painting of a bouquet of flowers.

expressivebouquet.collage3

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It’s wise to be open to change. In our art and in our lives. Not an easy thing it seems. But then, what choice do we have. Resist it or flow with it.

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This video offers a little sanctuary in these chaotic times. Take a few minutes to be with it. I’ve played it more than once.

Mystery

It was strange to see this cat girl emerge. She was painted just before the time that women were donning knitted pink cat hats. They were called “pussyhats” and worn in the 2017 Women’s March on Washington DC.

A little recent history lesson from Google:

A pussyhat is a pink, crafted hat, created in large numbers by thousands of participants involved with the United States 2017 Women’s March. They are the result of the Pussyhat Project, a nationwide effort initiated by Krista Suh and Jayna Zweiman, a screenwriter and architect located in Los Angeles, to create pink hats to be worn at the march for visual impact.^[1]

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As an artist, have you noticed this…not only does your art respond to the political and socio-economic climate, but sometimes it is almost predictive. Artists, poets, writers, creative beings have a heightened sensitivity. It’s no surprise that they can tune into something before it hits the press. And express it through their art.

Obviously, my girl’s hat isn’t pink–but the concept of woman merging with cat, with her wild nature–and yes, she has magic–are reminders to myself. A woman is an enigma to the male of our species. Rather than men fearing and trying to dominate what they don’t understand, why not honor her? Why not seek her out for wise counsel? Why not be curious to know her more deeply? Why not recognize that she has gifts to share (that he does not possess) and lend value to them?

That men are making most of the rules, guiding the politics of our lives, belies the fact that women comprise over 50% of the population in America! 2019 census shows 168.08 million women versus 161.48 million men! When are women going to realize that they have more power for change than they are exercising?

There are so many things in place in our society (and world) that we know are morally wrong and socially unjust. Women know this deeply…if they could gather their courage and unify their voices, change for the good would occur.

What is something you, as a woman alive today, are called to take a stand on? How are you going to align yourself with what you know to be true and correct? Is there an action you know that you need to take? One step at a time…dare to take the first one.

Dream It Better

How do you care for our earth? As an individual, I steward a small piece of earth. I’m grateful for this little plot of land with its variety of fruit trees planted by someone else, perhaps over fifty years ago. They probably had no thought of me. But they gave me a gift all these years later.

We are facing a time of global crisis. The way that we’ve been “using” the earth isn’t sustainable. The Native Americans believe that we have a responsibility to consider seven generations to come. They and some others realize that the earth is on loan to us now and to be conserved for future generations. But most of the world hasn’t held this as a value. We’ve taken from the earth’s resources and not given in return. We’ve used and abused our earth, our oceans, our air quality. Now we see disruption across the planet and we wonder how can that be? As if it came out of nowhere. As if scientists hadn’t been warning us.

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This painting is inspired by the animals that live along the Rio Grande River, the fourth longest river in the USA. Beside a large portion of this river, there is a “wall” being built to define a boundary between the US and Mexico. This particular area, along the Rio Grande bordering the state of Texas, is considered to be one of those invaluable riparian habitats. Jaguarundi, Pronghorn, Ocelot, Javelina, Mountain Lion, Fox, Birds, Beetles and Butterflies are some of the animals and insects that inhabit this area. The “wall” would disrupt the natural navigation patterns of these animals and insects. Some of these species, like the Ocelot, are already endangered. The Rio Grande River itself is in grave danger.

I call this painting “DREAM IT BETTER.”

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We are touched by things that we hear or see. We know that some things, as the disruption of a riparian habitat, are wrong. We feel bad about it. It may even arouse our passion! Instead of stopping at feeling bad or sad, consider, “What is an action step that I can take to make a difference?” One step would be to do some research. To find some legitimate organizations that are opposing such destruction. Get informed. Then see how what you learn can be shared with others. Take the leap from helpless observer to active participant. One small step towards change.

Look Up!

Living in the mountains, I have an opportunity to see the stars at night. This is an advantage over living in a big, artificially lit city. When I lived in San Francisco, beside the ocean and not the inner city, I could occasionally see the stars at night…when it wasn’t foggy.

Looking up at the night sky, I get a sense of both my smallness and my connection to something greater.

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Ever since I learned Nikol Wilman’s technique of painting a sky, I adapted it to create the background for a few of my paintings.

Drawing and painting a face looking upwards proved to be very challenging. Yet it was what I envisioned and I forged on to make it happen.

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How often do you look up? While walking in nature, I’m frequently looking down in order to see where I’m stepping especially if the terrain is rocky or has tree roots. On such walks I find that it’s important to stop and take time to look out and to look up. Expanding my field of vision in this way, I get out of my small mind thinking. It’s certainly not all about me!

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I love this creation story as told by Wilfred Buck. We have such a connection to and longing for the stars. This story is not so far-fetched. Our lives here are more mystery than certainty.

Wilfred is from Lake Winnipeg in rural Manitoba, Canada. His tribe affiliation is Cree, also known as Ininew, one of Canada’s largest First Nations groups. He is an amazing storyteller. If you have six minutes to listen, I think you’re going to appreciate this lovely creation Story. Try closing your eyes as you listen and imagine.

“We come from the stars,” Buck says.

Standing Rock

Remember Standing Rock? That protest was the inspiration for this painting. Across the world, many were outraged when reading the news about the proposed Dakota Access Pipeline that would run beneath the Missouri River and through reservation land. This was a direct threat to the region’s drinking water, as well as to the water supply used to irrigate surrounding farmlands. The construction would disturb ancient burial grounds and cultural sites of historic importance.

When I was 16-years old, attending an all-girl Catholic High School in San Francisco, we were required to choose a research project. I chose to investigate the status of Native American Tribes across the United States. I sent letters off to the Bureau of Indian Affairs and various tribal affiliates. I received lots of mail in return. And reading material. I was shocked to realize the poverty that our First Citizens were living in. And to read about the high rate of alcoholism was upsetting. Also, it struck me that a salesman would visit a tribe and sell them refrigerators when he knew full well that they didn’t even have electricity!

Doing this research, the Native American Peoples found a place in my heart.

How many times do the powers that be violate a treaty, withdraw support, move tribes around, encroach on Native American lands and lives before they realize that it’s morally wrong and stop doing it? Here is one question to be asked in such instances: “How would I feel if it was happening to me and my family?”

If your answer is something like “I would protest!” Or “That’s not right!” Then, why should it be different for the tribes of Standing Rock (or any other group of people)? Don’t they want to protect their families like I do? Don’t they deserve respect like I do? Why do their rights matter less than mine or yours? Is it too late to make amends?

Today, I read a recent article on the present day state of affairs around the DAPL–Dakota Access Pipeline…

“Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Prevails
as Federal Judge Strikes Down DAPL Permits“

This is a victory, but the battle isn’t over. One cannot assume that once a right is won, it is forever sealed and held sacred. But for now, a victory.

A dear friend traveled to standing rock and stood with the people in solidarity in opposition to DAPL. She expressed that there were other benefits of being there. To witness the tribes who had once opposed each other, here, standing together for a common cause was powerful in and of itself. Something for all of us who find ourselves in such oppositions today to learn from. The expression “United we stand. Divided we fall” was directly experienced.

“Pray under the sky
bare feet on the ground,
humbly. That you may
feel the connection with
all that is and live from
this understanding.
It is so.”

I believe that this prayer is from Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes.

Red

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The story of Little Red Riding Hood wasn’t one of my favorites…however, it did impact me. Early on, I rewrote the ending…the wolf was a good guy and everyone sat around together having tea in my final scene.

This painting was inspired by a class called Barn Painting, taught by Alissa Millsap in Paint Your Heart and Soul, 2017. Entering the realm of this piece, it was painted on an 8″x8″ birch panel, I quickly decided that it wasn’t going to be a barn. It was going to be grandma’s cottage in the woods. And then, in the forefront, I placed Little Red Riding Hood and her companion/friend the wolf. I just realized that here I go again, making the wolf an ally.

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Taking a class from a fellow artist, I am presented with a formula of sorts. This artist showed me the techniques and tools that she used to create a barn on a substrate. I was guided through her process. While I borrowed techniques and used the tools, I diverted and made different choices, incorporated my own style and personal perspective to create an original painting. I was relatively new at painting faces, so this Red Riding Hood’s face is rather juvenile. Yet, I like her and think that she works with the piece. I love the wolf…a friendly fellow (so long as he’s well-fed). The wolf is made whimsical and less frightening with the wisps of pastel colors in his coat.

In direct contrast, the color RED is dramatic and immediately eye-catching. Some artists love the drama of red while others hide from it, modify it or use it sparingly if at all. I’m learning to have a liking for a true red. Used without apology.

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If you are familiar with the chakra energy system, you probably remember that red symbolizes the root chakra located at the base of the spine. The root chakra can represent our origins, our quality of feeling grounded in present reality, living in connection to the earth and our core self. We cultivate this connection by the choices we make in our lives. Many people have a need for healing their family history–yes, root chakra taps into that. To support this energetic healing, a person might eat red foods, wear red clothing, carry a red stone or crystal, write or make art around their family history, and if necessary, see a therapist and work on that early family bond.

When I wear red, it seems that I want to be noticed. Red is not for wallflowers.

What’s your experience with the color red?